Legacy Week is an iconic Australian appeal which was established 78 years ago in 1942 to raise awareness and funds for the families of veterans who had given their lives or their health in service to our country. This year, Legacy Week will take place from August 30 to September 5.
Typically, Legacy widows, children, Legatees, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other volunteers play a vital role in supporting Legacy Week predominately with face to face donation collections on the streets of Melbourne. The following image of members of the ADF takes us back to Legacy Week 1991 where our volunteers congregated in what was once Melbourne’s City Square, nearby to Flinders Street Station.
When comparing 1991 to more recent years, Legacy Week would not have seemed too different. Just last year (2019), ADF volunteers were outside Flinders Street Station advocating for Legacy’s Badge Appeal (see image below).
However, Legacy Week 2020 will look quite different to previous years, given the current climate in Melbourne as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Flinders Street Station (and other Melbourne streets) will be looking a lot more like this during Legacy Week 2020…
There will be NO street appeal in Melbourne’s CBD i.e. no collection of donations or selling of badges and other merchandise to members of the public by our strong cohort of volunteers. Despite this, we will still be shining the spotlight on Legacy’s continued importance in assisting veterans’ families in their time of need!
Instead of rattling tins and collecting gold coin donations, we will be active online to raise awareness for Legacy Week, especially through social media and traditional media coverage.
It is without a doubt that the global pandemic has proven to be difficult for us all, but it has been especially hard for our veterans’ families. If you are in a position to donate, we would greatly appreciate it.
Please follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our online initiatives.
Veterans’ families still need your support now more than ever.
